How to Choose the Most Effective Trade Show Giveaways

Exhibiting at a trade show is always a great opportunity to connect with new contacts and potential customers. You set up your booth, put on a smile, and people stop by to learn what your company is all about. One traditional way to enhance your expo experience is with swag, freebies, tchotchkes - in other words, trade show giveaways.

Like any promotional product imprinted with your logo, trade show giveaways can provide a lot of marketing value - if you choose the right one. Keep these time-tested guidelines in mind when selecting your swag.

1. Boost booth traffic with an item people will talk about. The old swag standbys - pens, keychains, and the like - are great, but choosing something unique can get people talking. When the word gets out that your booth has awesome swag, more people visit, and your number of potential prospects increases.

2. Give something, receive something. Research tells us that giving a gift to someone makes them feel obligated to give something back. In this case, handing someone a cool giveaway can make them more willing to hear your pitch and ultimately do business with your company. Be sure to engage them when giving them the item, instead of just leaving it on the table for them to take.

3. Emphasize your message with something tangible. Sure, you've told them that your company is hassle-free and easy to work with, but messages get through when they appeal to all the senses. Give them some swag that reiterates how relaxing it is to do business with you, like a back massager. Now they can see and feel your message, too.

4. Put yourself in their shoes when you choose. You probably know a lot about your company's target demographic. Can you guess what they might like to receive as a gift? Consider what would appeal to them, amuse them, or make life easier for them. This increases the odds that they'll keep the item, and lets them know that your company "gets" them.

5. Consider value, not just cost. It may seem like a good idea to choose the cheapest trade show giveaway you can find so you can order more items and reach more people. But if the item breaks right away, or if it seems like junk and goes into the trash, did you really reach that person? When budget is an issue, think about buying fewer items but choosing some slightly nicer swag.

6. Make it easy for them to reach you when they're ready. So you've chosen the perfect swag, something they'll keep and use often, thinking of your business all the while. What happens when they want to talk to you? Make sure your phone number, e-mail address, or website is included in your imprint.

With these tips in mind, the only challenge will be fighting off the swag moochers, people who just want the cool trade show giveaways you've got but have no intention of doing business with your company. For help with this and other promotional products issues, Gorilla Marketing can provide expert advice and exceptional service.